"Outer Space"

[spacecat27]

I'm just soliciting opinions here- 

Whenever I hear a news report describing where the ISS is, where the Shuttle is going, or where an astronaut has been-- I cringe at the phrase "outer space."  I've always had the opinion that 'outer' space is well, something beyond earth orbit- certainly beyond LEO- and if pressed would probably define it as beginning say- at that point in a translunar trajectory where lunar gravity becomes greater than earth gravity.  If it were a trajectory toward other objects in the solar system, well, that wouldn't apply and I guess I would consider 'outer space' as being anything beyond the circumference of the moon's orbit.

But then, what do you call the LEO, GEO areas?  Personally, I'd simply say 'space' or 'near-space,' since "Inner space" has popularly been applied to the underwater environment. (Scott Carpenter biographers are always quick to call him a pioneer of "outer and inner space.")

We all occupy 'space'- and so does our 'stuff,' but I've always had the opinion that outer space means something more than simply the edge of the atmosphere.  In the grand scheme of things, if it were up to me----    "outer space" would mean anything beyond the sphere of human influence.  Should we ever have permanent bases on bases on the moon- outer space would be anything beyond the moon..... same for Mars if that ever happens.

Honestly, I've only had one beer.   

[Bob B.]

I never use the term "outer space" anymore; I generally just say "space".  I've always considered "outer space" to be a rather nontechnical term, maybe even a bit cartoonish, like saying "blastoff" instead of "liftoff".  However, when I was a child, I always considered outer space to be anything beyond the Earth's atmosphere.  At least that's the way I remember the common usage of the term.

[Satanic Mechanic]

I too use the term "space" when you get into LEO.  I use to think space started at 100 miles up but I have changed with 60 miles since that is when you get your astronaut wings. 
I always used the term "outer space" when you went past Mars to the outer planets or beyond Pluto.  Yes, I still consider Pluto a planet regardless of whatever election they had in Europe.

SM

[cartmancakes]

To me, outer space is far away.  Simple as that.  If I can conceive of the distance, it's not really outer space.

I can conceive of going 60 miles away.  I can even conceive of being 380 km away, as the ISS is.  I can't conceive of being a quarter of a million miles away.  The moon is the beginning of outer space.

I like your term.  When you are leaving the gravitational influence of Earth.  Very nice.  The Apollo astronauts were in outer space?  Hmm.  Maybe "outer" space would be beyond the heliosphere?

[Bob B.]

The American Heritage Dictionary defines outer space as:

outer space (ou´ter spAs) noun
Any region of space beyond limits determined with reference to the boundaries of a celestial body or system, especially:. a. The region of space immediately beyond Earth's atmosphere. b. Interplanetary or interstellar space.

There is also precedence set in the Outer Space Treaty, or more correctly, Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, Including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies.  This treaty, which entered into force in 1967 and currently has over 100 signatories, includes Earth orbit within the region referred to as "outer space".  I think then, according to international law, the accepted definition of outer space includes low Earth orbit.

[apollo@pluto]

outer space is pluto and beyond